Ajdustable frame for retaining hand truck on vehicular body

ABSTRACT

An adjustable frame, mountable on a vehicle, for releasably securing hand trucks of different sizes and configurations includes: a support platform for receiving a base of a hand truck; a first and a second side member affixed to the platform; a first bracket and a second bracket attached to the first and second side members, respectively, the brackets extending in parallel therewith; an elongate swing bar pivotally connected to the first bracket and pivotal between a first position that retains the hand truck on the platform, and a second position, which allows access and removal of the hand truck from the platform; and a latch mounted on the swing bar. The second bracket may include a strike that engages the latch for releasably securing the swing bar in the first position. Cushioned crossbars attachable to the side members dampen vibration of the hand truck during transportation.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60/238,191, filed Oct. 5, 2000, incorporated herein by reference.

FIELD OF THE PRESENT INVENTION

[0002] The present invention relates to a frame mounted on a vehicular body for transporting a hand truck and, in particular, to such a frame that is adjustable for accommodating hand trucks of different sizes and configurations, and to a method of adjusting such a frame.

BACKGROUND OF THE PRESENT INVENTION

[0003] A frame mounted on a vehicular body for transporting a hand truck is well known in the art. Such frames are disclosed, for example, by U.S. Pat. No. 5,522,530 to Boettcher; U.S. Pat. No. 5,236,342 to Pellettier; and U.S. Pat. No. 3,443,730 to Meusel, each patent of which is expressly incorporated herein by reference.

[0004] Hand trucks (or “dollies”) are often carried on the vehicular bodies of delivery trucks for convenience. At each stop of the delivery truck, the hand truck is readily available to assist the driver in unloading and transporting the cargo to be delivered like, for example, boxed cans of beverages including soda and beer.

[0005] Each manufacturer of the vehicular body commonly includes a frame for transporting a hand truck in the design of the vehicular body. In doing so, however, the manufacturer must either predetermine the size and configuration of the hand truck that will be used with the frame by contacting the customer for the vehicular body, or the manufacturer must make a “best guess” of the size and configuration of the hand truck that will be used with the frame. Unfortunately, most often the hand truck that is ultimately used with the frame is either not the hand truck that is initially specified by the customer, or it is not the hand truck that was guessed by the manufacturer. In any event, to accommodate the customer in the interests of customer care, the manufacturer de facto will send, at the manufacturer's expense, the customer a differently sized frame specifically customized for the actual hand truck used.

[0006] Accordingly, a specific need exists by which a manufacturer can build a vehicular body including a frame which is adjustable and which accommodates a variety of hand trucks which the customer ultimately might use.

SUMMARY OF THE PRESENT INVENTION

[0007] Generally, the present invention relates to an adjustable frame for accommodating different hand trucks (i.e., hand trucks having a different size and/or configuration), and a method of adjusting such a frame. Briefly summarized, the frame of the present invention includes: (a) a bottom support platform adapted to receive a base of a hand truck; (b) first and second side members affixed to the platform and extending upwardly therefrom in spaced, generally parallel relation; (c) a first bracket attached to the first side member and a second bracket attached to the second side member, the brackets extending outwardly from the side members in spaced, generally parallel relation; (d) an elongate swing bar pivotally connected to the first bracket and pivotal between (i) a first position, whereat the swing bar extends between the first and second brackets for retention of the hand truck on the platform, and (ii) a second position, whereat the swing bar extends generally parallel with the brackets for access and removal of the hand truck from the platform; and (e) a latch mounted on the swing bar for releasable securement of the swing bar to the second bracket when in the first position.

[0008] In accordance with a first feature of the present invention, each side member includes a plurality of attachment locations defined therealong at different spacings from the platform for selective attachment of the brackets to the side members at different heights from the platform. Preferably, each attachment location comprises an array of openings defined by the side member, with the array of openings corresponding with an array of openings defined by a bracket for extension therethrough of removable fasteners.

[0009] In accordance with a second feature of the present invention, the first bracket includes a plurality of connection locations defined therealong at different spacings from the first side member for selective pivotal connection of the swing bar to the first bracket at different depths from the first side member. Preferably, each connection location comprises an array of openings defined by the first bracket and adapted to receive the swing bar in pivotal connection therein. The attachment locations and the connection locations provide a method of adjusting, respectively, the height and depth of the frame for accommodation of different hand trucks.

[0010] A third feature of the present invention includes a strike mounted to the second bracket for engagement with the latch carried on the swing bar whereby the swing bar is securely retained on the frame during transportation. In particular, the strike preferably engages a latch bolt of the latch for releasable securement of the swing bar when in the first position. Moreover, the latch bolt preferably is spring-biased to engage a catch of the strike when the swing bar moves into the first position from the second position. The frame also preferably includes a backstop including a first portion mounted on the second bracket and a second portion extending generally coplanar with the swing bar when in the first position and defining an opening in register with an opening in the swing bar for receipt through both of the openings of a bolt of a lock for protection of the hand truck from theft. The first portion of the backstop preferably is oriented orthogonal to the second portion, and the first portion preferably extends between the strike and the second bracket. In accordance with this third feature and an aforesaid adjustability feature of the frame, the second bracket includes a plurality of connection locations defined therealong at different spacings from the second side member for selective connection of the strike to the second bracket at different depths from the second side member. Preferably, each connection location comprises an array of openings that corresponds with the array of openings defined by the strike.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0011] Further features, embodiments, and advantages of the apparatus and method of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description with reference to the drawings, wherein:

[0012]FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the front of a frame for retaining a hand truck on a vehicular body in accordance with the present invention;

[0013]FIG. 2 is another perspective view of the front of the frame of FIG. 1;

[0014]FIG. 3 is an elevational view of the front of the frame of FIG. 1;

[0015]FIG. 4 is an elevational view of a side of the frame of FIG. 1;

[0016]FIG. 5 is a top plan view of the frame of FIG. 1;

[0017]FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the frame of FIG. 1 mounted on the bumper of a first vehicular body;

[0018]FIG. 7 is an elevational view of the frame of FIG. 6 taken along the line 7-7;

[0019]FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the frame of FIG. 1 mounted on the bumper of a second vehicular body;

[0020]FIG. 9 is an elevational view of the frame of FIG. 8 taken along the line 8-8;

[0021]FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a bracket, strike and backstop of the frame of FIG. 1;

[0022]FIG. 11 is a perspective view of the swing bar and latch of the frame of FIG. 1;

[0023]FIG. 12 is an elevational view of the front of the swing bar and latch of the frame of FIG. 1;

[0024]FIG. 13 is a plan view of the top of the swing bar and latch of the frame of FIG. 1;

[0025]FIG. 14 is a perspective view of a crossbar of the frame of FIG. 1;

[0026]FIG. 15 is a perspective view of the other bracket of the frame of FIG. 1; and

[0027]FIG. 16 is a perspective view of the backstop of the frame of FIG. 1.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0028] Referring now to the drawings, a preferred frame 20 of the present invention generally is shown in perspective view in FIGS. 1-5. The frame 20 includes a bottom support platform 22 comprising an elongated U-shaped ledge 24 and a flat bar 26 welded at its ends 28,30 to the ledge 24 to thereby form a generally rectangular opening 32 adapted to receive the base of a hand truck (not shown). In particular, the opening 32 is dimensioned to receive therethrough a plate of the base of the hand truck as is conventional. Upturned end walls 34,36 of the U-shaped ledge 24 each includes a recess 38 designed to conform to a surface configuration of a bumper of a vehicular body for mounting of the platform 22 thereto, all as will be more fully described below with references to FIGS. 6-9.

[0029] With continued reference to FIGS. 1-5, the frame 20 includes first and second side members 40,42 that are affixed to the platform 22 by welding. The two side members 40,42 extend upwardly from the upturned end walls 34,36 of the platform 22 in spaced, parallel relation to each other. The first side member 40 comprises a U-shaped rail having front and rear end walls 44,46 and an intermediate wall 48 and, in similar manner, the second side member 42 comprises a U-shaped rail having front and rear end walls 50,52 and an intermediate wall 54. Each front wall 44,50 includes a plurality of openings 56,58 respectively which define a plurality of attachment locations for selective attachment of first and second brackets 60,62, as will be more fully described below. Likewise, each rear wall 46,52 of the side members 40,42 also includes a plurality of openings 64,66 respectively which define a plurality of attachment locations for selective attachment of a crossbar 68 to the side members 40,42, also as will be more fully described below.

[0030] The side members 40,42 are joined at their upper ends by the welding of a top crossbar 70 to the rear walls 46,52 thereof resulting in great rigidity of the side members 40,42 and the frame 20 overall.

[0031] The first and second brackets 60,62 referred to above serve to support a swing bar 72 which retains the hand truck on the frame 20 during transportation. The first bracket 60 is shown in detail in FIG. 15, the second bracket 62 is shown in detail in FIG. 10, and the swing arm is shown in detail in FIGS. 11-13.

[0032] In particular, each bracket 60,62 respectively includes a U-shaped channel portion 74,76 and a right-angle mounting portion 78,80 welded to an end thereof. The first bracket 60 is attached to the first side member 40 at one of the plurality of attachment locations defined by two adjacent openings 56 disposed along the first side member 40. In this respect, each attachment location thereof includes an array of openings 56 formed in the front wall 44 of the first side member 40, which array corresponds with an array of openings 82 formed in the mounting portion 78 of the first bracket 60 whereby removable fasteners, such as bolts 84, attach the first bracket 60 to the first side member 40. For further support of the first bracket 60, an additional opening 86 is defined by the intermediate wall 48 of the first side member 40 as part of the array of openings for an additional point of attachment of the mounting portion 78 of the first bracket 60 with another removable fastener 88. The second bracket 62 is attached to the second side member 42 in like fashion with attachment locations on the second side member 42 corresponding at the same height from the platform 22 with attachment locations on the first side member 40. Accordingly, the first and second brackets 60,62 are attached to the side members 40,42 at the same height from the platform 22.

[0033] The first and second brackets 60,62 extend from the side members 40,42 in spaced, generally parallel relation to each other. The first bracket 60 includes a plurality of connection locations defined therealong for the pivotal connection thereon of a hinge 90 of the swing bar 72 at different spacings from the first side member 40. Each connection location preferably includes an array of opposed openings 92 having a common axis through which the ends of the hinge 90 of the swing bar 72 are received.

[0034] The swing bar 72 itself is elongate and includes the hinge 90 on one end and a latch 94 on the other end. The swing bar 72 pivots between a first position extending between the first and second brackets 60,62 and a second position extending generally parallel to the first and second brackets 60,62. The second bracket 62 includes an array of connection locations defined by openings 96 disposed therealong for the mounting of a strike 98 thereon at different spacings from the second side member 42. Preferably, each connection location on the second bracket 62 includes an array of openings 96 which correspond with an array of openings on the strike 98 for mounting thereof to the second bracket 62 with removable fasteners 100. In the preferred embodiment, the spacing of the strike 98 from the second side member 42 is substantially the same as the spacing of the hinge 90 from the first side member 40.

[0035] The strike 98 is adapted to receive a latch bolt 102 of the latch 94 when the swing bar 72 moves into the first position from the second position. Specifically, the strike 98 includes a catch 104 that pivots to permit passage of the latch bolt 102 in the direction from the second position toward the first position, but which does not permit passage of the latch bolt 102 in the opposite direction.

[0036] The latch bolt 102 itself is spring-biased so that the latch bolt 102 prevents the swing bar 72 from moving out of the first position when engaged by the strike 98. In order to unlatch the swing bar 72, the latch bolt 102 must be moved against the biasing of the spring 106 toward the first bracket 60 and, thereby, withdrawn from the strike 98, whereat the swing bar 72 is then able to pivot from the first position toward the second position.

[0037] A backstop 108 is provided for inhibiting movement of the swing bar 72 away from the second position past the first position. The backstop 108 is shown in detail in FIG. 16 and preferably comprises two planar portions 110,112 joined together orthogonal to one another. A first planar portion 110 includes an array 114 of openings corresponding to the array of openings 96 of the connection locations of the second bracket 62, whereby the first planar portion 110 is mounted to the second bracket 62 in-between the second bracket 62 and the strike 98. The second planar portion 112 extends parallel to the backside of the end of the swing bar 72. The end of the swing bar 72 and the second planar portion 112 each includes respectively a coaxial opening 116,118 through which the bolt of a lock 120 is extendable for locking of the swing bar 72 in the first position for protection from theft of a hand truck retained on the frame 20.

[0038] The frame 20 also includes a crossbar 68 provided for abutment with the hand truck when retained on the frame 20 though engagement with the swing bar 72 when closed in the first position. The crossbar 68 includes a cushion portion 122 formed of rubber for engagement with the hand truck for dampening of any vibration or rattling that otherwise might occur during transportation of the hand truck. As set forth above, the rear walls 46,52 of the side members 40,42 each respectively include a plurality of attachment locations each comprising an opening 64,66. Each end of the crossbar 68 includes a respective opening 124,126 that is spaced from the other to correspond with the spacing between the pairs of attachment locations on the side members 40,42 having the same height from the platform 22. Accordingly, the crossbar 68 is removably mounted to the rear walls 46,52 of the side members 40,42 in a generally horizontal orientation therebetween and at a selected height by removable fasteners such as bolts 128.

[0039] The frame is mounted in conventional manner to the bumper 128 of a vehicular body 130 as shown, for example, in FIGS. 6-7, and to a different bumper 132 of another vehicular body 134 as shown, for another example, in FIGS. 8-9. In each instance, the platform 22 is welded to the bumper 128,132 along the recesses 38 thereof. Additionally, gussets 136 are welded to the bumper 128,132 and to the side members 40,42 of the frame 20. It is understood that the frame may also be mounted on structures other than vehicles.

[0040] As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the first and second brackets are mounted at first attachment locations on the side members in order for the swing bar to have a predetermined, desired height from the platform which will accommodate a hand truck of a certain size and configuration. In order to accommodate a new hand truck of a different size and configuration, the removable fasteners are removed from the brackets and side members, the brackets are repositioned at different attachment locations along the side members at the desired height, and the removable fasteners are reinserted through the corresponding arrays of openings to reattach the brackets to the side members at the new, desired height for the new hand truck. In similar manner, the frame is also adjustable to accommodate the depth of a new hand truck. In this regard, the place of the releasable mounting of the hinge of the swing bar and the strike can be selected at one of a plurality of connection locations along the first and second brackets, respectively, with each connection location of the plurality on a respective bracket having a different lateral spacing from the respective side member. Likewise, the crossbar is removably mounted to the rear walls of the side members in a generally horizontal orientation therebetween and at a selected height by removable fasteners such as bolts. The frame thereby is even further adjustable for accommodating hand trucks of different sizes and configurations.

[0041] In view of the aforesaid written description of the present invention, it will be readily understood by those persons skilled in the art that the present invention is susceptible of broad utility and application. Many embodiments and adaptations of the present invention other than those herein described, as well as many variations, modifications, and equivalent arrangements, will be apparent from or reasonably suggested by the present invention and the foregoing description thereof, without departing from the substance or scope of the present invention. Accordingly, while the present invention has been described herein in detail in relation to preferred embodiments, it is to be understood that this disclosure is only illustrative and exemplary of the present invention and is made merely for purposes of providing a full and enabling disclosure of the invention. The foregoing disclosure is not intended nor is to be construed to limit the present invention or otherwise to exclude any such other embodiments, adaptations, variations, modifications and equivalent arrangements, the present invention being limited only by the claims appended hereto and the equivalents thereof.

[0042] Thus, for example, the side members are not necessarily required for practicing certain features of the present invention. For example, the platform, brackets, and crossbar each can be affixed to the vehicular body without interconnection thereof with side members. Of course, in this embodiment of the present invention, the frame could be adjustable with respect to the depth of a hand truck that could be accommodated, but the height would not necessarily be adjustable. Furthermore, the frame could also include the mounting of the strike to the second bracket for secure retention of the swing arm without any features of adjustability and still fall within the scope of the present invention as claimed, a feature of the claimed invention including the mere mounting of a strike to the second bracket. 

1-66. (Canceled)
 67. A method of adjusting a frame mounted on a body of a vehicle for retaining a hand truck thereon during transportation, the frame including, (a) a bottom support adapted to receive a base of the hand truck, (b) first and second side members affixed to the vehicle and extending upwardly, (c) a first bracket attached to the first side member and a second bracket attached to the second side member, the brackets extending outwardly from the side members, each side member including a plurality of attachment locations defined therealong at different spacings from the support for selective attachment of the brackets to the side members at different heights from the support, (d) an elongate swing bar pivotally connected to the first bracket and pivotal between, (i) a first position, in which the swing bar extends generally between the first and second brackets for retention of the hand truck on the support, and (ii) a second position, in which the swing bar extends generally parallel with the brackets for access and removal of the hand truck from the support, and (e) a latch mounted on the swing bar for releasable securement of the swing bar to the second bracket when in the first position, the method comprising the steps of, unattaching each bracket from the side member at a first attachment location and reattaching each bracket to each side member at a second attachment location whereby the swing bar is repositioned at a different height relative to the support for accommodating a different hand truck.
 68. A method of adjusting a frame mounted on a body of a vehicle for retaining a hand truck thereon during transportation, the frame including, (a) a bottom support adapted to receive a base of the hand truck, (b) first and second brackets extending above the support outwardly from the vehicular body, (c) an elongate swing bar pivotally connected to the first bracket and pivotal between, (i) a first position, in which the swing bar extends generally between the first and second brackets for retention of the hand truck on the support between the swing bar and the vehicular body, and (ii) a second position, in which the swing bar extends generally parallel with the brackets for access and removal of the hand truck from the support, the first bracket including a plurality of connection locations defined therealong at different spacings from the vehicular body for selective pivotal connection of the swing bar to the first bracket at different depths from the vehicular body, and (d) a latch mounted on the swing bar for releasable securement of the swing bar to the second bracket when in the first position, the method comprising the steps of, disconnecting the swing bar from the first bracket at a first connection location and reconnecting the swing bar to the first bracket at a second connection location, whereby the swing bar is repositioned at a different depth relative to the vehicular body for securement of the hand truck on the frame.
 69. A method according to claim 68, wherein the frame further comprises a strike mounted on the second bracket which receives a bolt of the latch for releasable securement of the swing bar when in the first position, the second bracket including a plurality of connection locations defined therealong at different spacings from the vehicular body for selective connection of the strike to the second bracket at different depths to the vehicular body, the method further comprising the steps of dismounting the strike from the second bracket at a first connection location thereon and remounting the strike to the second bracket at a second connection location thereon such that the latch again engages the strike for securement of the swing bar to the second bracket when in the first position.
 70. A method of adjusting a frame mounted on a body of a vehicle for retaining a hand truck thereon during transportation, the frame including, (a) a bottom support adapted to receive a base of the hand truck, (b) first and second side members affixed to the vehicle and extending upwardly from the support, (c) a first bracket attached to the first side member and a second bracket attached to the second side member, the brackets extending outwardly from the side members, (d) an elongate swing bar pivotally connected to the first bracket and pivotal between, (i) a first position, in which the swing bar extends generally between the first and second brackets for retention of the hand truck on the support, and (ii) a second position, in which the swing bar extends generally parallel with the brackets for access and removal of the hand truck from the support, (e) a latch mounted on the swing bar for releasable securement of the swing bar to the second bracket when in the first position, and (f) a crossbar attached to the first and second side members for abutment with the hand truck when retained on the frame, each side member including a plurality of attachment locations defined therealong at different spacings from the platform for selective attachment of the crossbar to the side members at different heights from the support, the method comprising the steps of, unattaching the crossbar from the side members at respective first attachment locations thereon, and reattaching the crossbar to the side members at respective second attachment locations thereon, whereby the swing bar is repositioned at a different height relative to the support for accommodating a different hand truck.
 71. A method for mounting an adjustable frame used for releasably retaining a hand truck to a vehicle having a vehicular body and the adjustable frame having (a) a bottom support platform adapted to receive a base of the hand truck; (b) first and second side members affixed to said platform and extending upwardly therefrom in spaced, generally parallel relation; (c) a first bracket attached to said first side member and a second bracket attached to said second side member, said brackets extending outwardly from said side members in spaced, generally parallel relation; (d) an elongate swing bar pivotally connected to said first bracket and pivotal between (i) a first position, in which said swing bar extends generally between said first and second brackets for retention of the hand truck on said platform, and (ii) a second position, in which said swing bar extends generally parallel with said brackets for access and removal of the hand truck from the platform; and (e) a latch mounted on said swing bar for releasable securement of said swing bar to said second bracket when in said first position. the method comprising the steps of, attaching the platform to said vehicular body; and connecting the side members to said vehicular body.
 72. A method according to claim 71, wherein the step of attaching the platform to the vehicular body includes the step of welding said platform to the vehicular body.
 73. A method according to claim 72, further characterized in that the vehicular body includes at least one bumper and the step of attaching the platform to the vehicular body includes the step of welding the platform to the bumper.
 74. A method according to claim 71, wherein the step of connecting the vehicular body to said side members includes the steps of (a) welding gussets to the vehicular body in a spaced relation corresponding to said side members; and (b) welding said gussets to said side members.
 75. A method according to claim 74, wherein the vehicular body has at least one bumper and the method of connecting the vehicular body to said side members includes the step of welding the gussets to the bumper.
 76. A method for releasably retaining a hand truck to a vehicle having an adjustable frame, the hand truck having a base and side rails and the adjustable frame having (a) a bottom support comprising an opening for receiving the base of said hand truck; (b) first and second side members affixed to said vehicle and extending upwardly in spaced, generally parallel relation; (c) a first bracket attached to said first side member and a second bracket attached to said second side member, said brackets extending outwardly from said side members in spaced, generally parallel relation; (d) an elongate swing bar pivotally connected to said first bracket and pivotal between (i) a first position, in which said swing bar extends generally between said first and second brackets for retention of the hand truck on said support, and (ii) a second position, in which said swing bar extends generally parallel with said brackets for access and removal of the hand truck from the support; (e) a latch mounted on said swing bar for releasable securement of said swing bar to said second bracket when in said first position; and (f) a crossbar extending between and attached to said first and second side members for abutment with the hand truck when retained on the frame, the method comprising the steps of: (a) placing the base of said hand truck within the opening in the support; (b) positioning the side rails of the hand truck between the first and second side members such that the hand truck is abutting said crossbar; and (c) moving the elongate swing bar pivotally to the first position, thereby releasably securing the hand truck to the adjustable frame. 77-97. (Canceled) 